Children whose parents misuse alcohol: a study of services and needs

Abstract

Despite the fact that many children are affected by parental alcohol misuse, both services and research have largely concentrated on adults. Recently, projects have been set up to assist children, but developments have been piecemeal. This article reports on a qualitative study which learned directly from children, their parents and some young adults what they saw as the effects on children of excessive drinking by one or both parents. The most common consequences were distress at witnessing violence to the other parent or to the home; verbal abuse towards the children; feelings of shame; and taking on caring and protective roles. However, the children were not passive victims and usually took active steps to tackle the drinking or modify its impact Those in the sample usually had at least one family member who helped them and was trusted. Nevertheless, many wished they could meet with others in the same position, so they could feel less isolated and learn from each other. The need was identified for access to a network of services with group work, individual counselling, family mediation and educational components.

Children of parents with alcohol problems performing normality: A qualitative interview study about unmet needs for professional support

“…We are not the first to report experiences of stress and conflicts, tension and threats, coping dilemmas, concealment, uncertainty and worry among family members living with substance abuse (Backett-Milburn et al, 2008 ; Gorin, 2004 ; Haugland, 2005 ; Hill et al, 1996 ; Kroll, 2004 ; Orford et al, 2013 ; Rossow et al, 2015 ; Velleman & Templeton, 2007 ; Wilson et al, 2012 ). A review of research about experiences among children living with domestic violence or parental substance abuse concluded that the trouble at home was often kept as a family secret (Gorin, 2004 ).…”

“…Our data confirm research demonstrating unmet needs of families in troubles, disruptions in everyday rituals and routines, and family members trying to find the best way of dealing with the situation (Backett-Milburn et al, 2008 ; Haugland, 2005 ; Mordoch & Hall, 2008 ; Orford et al, 2013 ; Trondsen, 2012 ; Trondsen & Tjora, 2014 ). Roles within these families are distorted, with the children responsible for paying attention and making one's arrangements in accordance with the parent with drinking problems, taking on caring and protective roles within the family (Haugland, 2005 ; Hill et al, 1996 ; Kroll, 2004 ; Vernig, 2011 ).…”

“…There is an extensive literature on the outcome for families living with alcohol problems. Still, the voices of children from these families are to a limited degree heard, and the costs of their coping efforts may be high (Backett-Milburn et al, 2008 ; Gorin, 2004 ; Hill et al, 1996 ; Järvinen, 2015 ; Kroll, 2004 ; Wilson et al, 2012 ).…”

“…Alcohol problems represent a major contribution to global health problems (Orford, Velleman, Natera, Templeton, & Copello, 2013 ; Rehm et al, 2009 ; World Health Organization, 2009 ), and affected families experience a heavy burden of stress and challenges (Balsa, Homer, & French, 2009 ; Barnard & Bain, 2015 ; Burke, Schmied, & Montrose, 2006 ; Hill, Laybourn, & Brown, 1996 ). Parental alcohol problems often lead to adverse childhood experiences with long-term health consequences (Balsa et al, 2009 ; Burke et al, 2006 ; Cleaver, Unell, & Aldgate, 2011/1999 ; Dube et al, 2001 ; Felitti et al, 1998 ).…”

The importance of family to health, development and welfare of children

“…International research has shown serious consequences for the development of children of alcoholics (4). Co-instantaneous research has shown that the problems of the children are often invisible in the treatment (5)(6)(7).…”